Method for activating massage units in a seat, control device for carrying out said method, and seat arrangement

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for activating massage units in a seat, in particular in a vehicle seat, comprising the following steps: playing back an acoustic entertainment signal, in particular a piece of music, by means of a playback device, in particular an entertainment system of a vehicle; controlling massage units integrated in the seat based on the acoustic entertainment signal by means of a control device. The present invention also relates to a control device for carrying out a method of this kind, and to a corresponding seat arrangement.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for activating massage unitsin a seat, to a control device for carrying out said method, and to acorresponding seat arrangement.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Methods are known which provide activation and deactivation, orplayback, of a fixed, specified program sequence in order to activatemassage units in a seat.

DE 297 05530 U1 describes a vehicle seat in which oscillating heads areintegrated, the drive frequency of which heads can be set at differentlevels or in a continuously variable manner by a corresponding userinput. Control of this kind provides only monotonous massage sequences,however.

DE 43 31 663 C1 describes a control apparatus which activates both theposition-adjusting and contour-adjusting means of a vehicle seat. Saidapparatus comprises a memory unit, in which activation programs for saidmeans can be stored. The contour-adjustment means are activatedsimultaneously by the control apparatus in a predeterminable temporalsequence in order to initiate a massage and gymnastics program. Thedisadvantages of programs of this kind become clear to a user relativelyquickly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, the aim of the present invention is to specify animproved method for activating massage units in a seat.

This aim is achieved according to the invention by a method having thefeatures of claim 1 and/or by a control device having the features ofclaim 14 and/or by a seat arrangement having the features of claim 15.

Accordingly, there is provided:

-   -   a method for activating massage units in a seat, in particular        in a vehicle seat, comprising the following steps: playing back        an acoustic entertainment signal, in particular a piece of        music, by means of a playback device, in particular an        entertainment system of a vehicle;    -   controlling massage units integrated in the seat based on the        acoustic entertainment signal by means of a control device.    -   a control device for controlling massage units in a seat, in        particular in a vehicle seat, which device is designed to        convert an entertainment signal into at least one output signal        that activates the massage units, and to activate the massage        units in accordance with a method according to the invention.    -   a seat arrangement for carrying out a method according to the        invention, comprising: a seat, in particular a vehicle seat,        having a number of integrated massage units; a playback device,        in particular an entertainment system of a vehicle, for playing        back an acoustic entertainment signal; a control device coupled        to the playback device for controlling the massage units, which        is designed to convert the entertainment signal into at least        one output signal that activates the massage units, which output        signal changes based on the entertainment signal.

The concept forming the basis of the present invention consists in usinga primary audio signal (acoustic entertainment signal) that is providedto an occupant for entertainment, in particular a piece of music, as aninput variable for a control device in order to control massage unitsintegrated in a seat.

In this manner, the invention makes it possible to create a completelynew massage experience that can be provided by a vehicle seat, in whichexperience any variety of coordinated acoustic and tactile stimuli canbe simultaneously set. A massage system can thus advantageously be usedfor other vehicle applications according to the invention.

If music is used as the primary entertainment signal in this case, theexperience of listening to the music is enhanced by the massage given bythe seat. According to the invention, the music can also be perceived byan occupant, in a tactile manner, in the form of a back and/or buttocksand/or neck and/or head massage, in particular over the majority of thebody, by means of the massage units integrated in the seat. Overall, themusic is thus experienced more intensely.

In addition, if the music is simultaneously output over speakers, themassage provided by the massage units is also experienced more intenselyon account of the acoustic stimuli set with the music.

Since the acoustic and tactile stimuli are coordinated, there is overalla more intense experience according to the invention than if the massageand the music run independently of one another.

In addition, the program is unknown and is not “boring”, since theprogram sequence can be varied in any desired manner by playingdifferent music.

In particular, according to the invention, the entertainment system of avehicle, optionally designed as an infotainment system, is coupled tothe massage function of a vehicle seat.

An extractor may also be provided for extracting the entertainmentsignal from the playback device. A digital transmission of theentertainment signal from the playback device to the control device isalso possible. The extracted or transmitted entertainment signal is thenused as an input variable for the control device.

A number of massage units can indicate a singular number or a plural.

The method according to the invention can be provided in addition toknown activations of massage units, in particular as an additionalfunction.

Advantageous embodiments and developments will become apparent from theadditional dependent claims and from the description with reference tothe figures in the drawings.

According to one embodiment, the acoustic entertainment signal is brokendown into predetermined frequency ranges. In the process, at least onepredetermined frequency range of the acoustic entertainment signal isconverted into an output signal for at least one massage unit. Thus,according to the invention, predetermined frequency ranges or also onlyone predetermined frequency range can be used to control massage unitsintegrated in a seat. The predetermined frequency range(s) can beadapted to the type or genre of music. Advantageously, the frequencyrange which is the best match for the music and/or is most suitable forbeing translated into a massage is used.

In addition, one development provides for amplification and selection ofdifferent frequency ranges that is in both cases adapted to the type ofentertainment signal, for example the type or genre of music in the caseof music. In this way, for example in the case of techno or classicalmusic as the entertainment signal, the massage units can thus beactivated in a manner that is adapted to said music, and the experienceof listening to the music in question is enhanced by the massage, whichis adapted to the type of music, given by the seat.

According to one embodiment, different frequency ranges of the acousticentertainment signal are each converted into an output signal and usedto activate different massage units. Thus, the music can advantageouslybe perceived in a broken-down form. The massage is more varied andinteresting as a result.

According to one embodiment, a plurality of massage units are arrangedso as to be distributed over the sitting surface of the seat. The outputsignals associated with the different frequency ranges of the acousticentertainment signal are in this case output in order to activatemassage units that are arranged in different places. All frequencies canbe converted into a massage, in particular a vibration massage, so as tobe distributed over the various seat regions. For example, lowfrequencies, such as bass, for example having frequencies of from 80 to100 Hz, can be converted into a massage in a lower region, in particularin seat upholstery or an underbody, and/or higher frequencies, such asmedium and/or high frequencies, can be converted into a massage in anupper region, in particular a backrest. Distribution the other wayaround, or another kind of distribution, is also possible.

According to one embodiment, it is conceivable for the signals of amulti-channel signal, for example a stereo or digital multi-channelsignal, such as a 5.1 signal, to be used for activation in individualregions of the seat. In particular, massage units can be activated inindividual side regions in this way. The multi-channel signal can thusbe reproduced by the massage by activating massage units that arearranged in different places. For example, a signal intended for aleft-hand speaker of a stereo or 5.1 system can be used to activatemassage units that are arranged on the left-hand side of the seat. Thesame can also be done for a right-hand region using the signal intendedfor a right-hand speaker. Divisions into more than two regions, forexample 5.1 signals divided into six regions, are also conceivable.

According to one embodiment, only some of the massage units integratedin the seat are activated by means of the output signal based on theentertainment signal. Accordingly, not all of the massage units of aseat or seat region have to be subjected to a massage or vibrationcontrolled by the acoustic entertainment signal. For example, a seatuser himself can choose the regions which are intended to be massaged bythe massage units, for example the back or legs. Instead, the othermassage units can be idle, or a conventional massage program or aconstant massage or vibration can be active. In a further embodiment,all of the massage units of a seat or seat region are provided with amassage or vibration controlled by the acoustic entertainment signal.

According to one development, constantly alternating motors can beactivated in succession. Preferably, the changes are such or are carriedout such that they are imperceptible to an occupant, i.e. a personsitting on the seat. Thus, at any given time, only some of the massageunits are activated simultaneously. For this purpose, a controlapparatus distributes levels for activating the motors of the massageunits such that not all the motors of the massage units provided in aseat simultaneously react to a level of the entertainment signal.Instead, the motors can alternate, and are thus stopped, in analternating manner, for a predetermined period of time, in particular inorder to cool the motors of the massage units. In the process, themotors are preferably activated such that the cooling phases ofindividual motors can be integrated in a massage program that is basedon the entertainment signal, meaning that the alternation of the motorsis imperceptible to the occupant. There is thus an even massage effect,despite the alternation.

According to one embodiment, the acoustic entertainment signal is usedas an input variable for the activation irrespective of an output volumeset on the playback device. Accordingly, it is also optionally possiblefor the acoustic entertainment signal not to be heard at all. Forexample, operating modes are thus possible in which, where music is theprimary entertainment signal, songs can be guessed on the basis of themassage. For example, different songs can be selected by an occupant, inparticular the driver or a passenger in the front seat, as the basis fora massage program. The songs can then be guessed by the other occupantsof a vehicle, for example by one or more persons sitting on the backseats. An additional entertainment offering is thus advantageouslyprovided. In a further embodiment or in an alternative mode, theintensity of the vibrations can also be controlled depending on thevolume set on the playback device.

In yet another embodiment, for example in an electric car, anartificially generated engine noise can be used as the primary acousticsignal, which in this case is an entertainment signal. This can be usedto activate the massage units irrespective of a volume of the enginenoise that is played. The vibrations of an internal combustion enginecan thus be imitated, for example. In addition, the filters for anadditional playback of music can be adapted to a possible engine noise.

According to one embodiment, the intensity of the massage provided bythe massage units can be set. In particular, for this purpose, thevibration intensity of the massage units can be set. Alternatively oradditionally, the frequency band used can be set. In particular, forthis purpose, the position and width, i.e. the nature of the differentfrequency ranges of the acoustic entertainment signal, which areconverted into an output signal, can be set. The vibration frequency ofthe massage units can thus be set according to the wishes of thecustomer or operator.

Alternatively or in addition, the distribution of the activated portionof the massage units can also be set. In particular, for this purpose,the position and number of the activated massage units can be set. Aplurality of massage unit positions, for example the sitting surface orbackrest surface, or the left-hand side and right-hand side thereofindividually in each case, and the number of massage units in each case,can also be set. Preferably, the setting is in each case free setting.Advantageously, there is thus a wide range of setting possibilities inorder to provide an individually adapted massage.

According to one embodiment, the acoustic entertainment signal isconverted into a series of pulses for the activation of the massageunits, in particular by pulse-width modulation (PWM), preferably bymeans of an individual high-side switch. Advantageously, a particularlysimple, economical and cost-effective amplifier is used to activate themassage units, for example in the form of a class-D amplifier (PWM).

According to one embodiment, the dynamic profile of the acousticentertainment signal is compressed or expanded for the activation. Bothof these processes can also take place, in particular in stages. Thecompression is used in particular to limit the dynamic range of theacoustic entertainment signal. By means of the expansion, the dynamicrange of the acoustic entertainment signal can be increased.

For this purpose, for example a dynamic processor is provided, inparticular a dynamic compressor for compressing and/or in particular adynamic expander for expanding, which processor processes the primaryentertainment signal accordingly. In particular, a reduction of lownoise levels can be achieved by means of a dynamic expander as acontinuous effect, whereas higher levels remain unaffected. Noise fromthe control, for example, can thus be excluded. Furthermore, a highnoise level or level peaks, thus a pulse-like effect, can be attenuatedadvantageously by means of a dynamic compressor. Advantageously, thewhole signal can thus be amplified, and in particular lower noise levelscan be raised in the process, without this resulting in the massageunits being overloaded.

According to one embodiment, the acoustic entertainment signal is fedinto the playback device by means of an audio signal source, inparticular a mobile audio signal source or a vehicle-internal audiosignal source. This can also be an audio signal source that isintegrated in a seat, or a vehicle-external audio signal source. Theplayback device is coupled to the audio signal source for this purpose.In the case of a mobile audio signal source, this can be realised by aconnection cable or by wireless data transmission. In the case of avehicle-internal audio signal source, this is preferably integrated inthe entertainment system of the vehicle, and is in particular rigidlycoupled thereto. In the case of a vehicle-external audio signal source,this can be for example a digital or analogue radio or televisiontransmitter. In this case, the playback device has a correspondingreceiver, in particular a tuner.

According to one embodiment, the massage units are activated so as tovibrate in frequency ranges in which they only bring about noiseemissions which are externally imperceptible to persons other than thosesitting on the seat in question, in particular other vehicle occupants.In particular, the massage units are in this case activated so as tovibrate in frequency ranges which do not constitute a resonancefrequency of the structure of the vehicle seat. Preferably, these arefrequencies which are damped to a great extent by the structure of thevehicle seat. Advantageously, there is thus no sound, or only sound thatis below the threshold of perceptibility, caused by the vibration.Specific massage units can, in a targeted manner, also be excluded oradapted, for example adapted to a noise environment, or activated onlyif this is not to the detriment of a comfortable noise level. Thevibration frequencies can also be adapted, in a tailored manner, todifferent massage units. For this purpose, for example onlypredetermined frequencies can be output in specific regions of the seat.In particular, for this purpose, the rotational speed of an unbalancemotor can be restricted to predetermined ranges. The output of thepredetermined frequencies can be selected so as to be adapted to thelocal damping that is provided at the relevant seat region, and/or tothe weight of a person sitting on the seat.

According to one embodiment, the massage units are arranged andactivated such that the vibration thereof covers or neutralisesadjustment noise that is simultaneously generated by an electromotiveseat adjustment. In particular, for this purpose, individual ordifferent massage units can be provided, in terms of position, so as tobe coupled in a compatible manner to an adjustment plane, in order tocover adjustment noise.

According to one embodiment, the control of the individual massage unitscan be selected so as to depend on the placement of individual seatcomponents. In particular, these are seat components in which themassage units concerned are arranged. For example, the control can takeplace depending on how a lumbar support is set, in particular at a lowlevel of vibration in the case of a lumbar support that is extendedfully towards the front.

According to one embodiment, a speaker outputs the acousticentertainment signal in parallel with the activation of the massageunits. Thus, in particular in the case of music as the entertainmentsignal, the massage provided by the massage units can advantageously beexperienced more intensely on account of the acoustic stimuli. Thelistening experience is also enhanced by the massage given by the seat.Music is thus also perceived by an occupant, in the form of a massage,by means of the massage units integrated in the seat. Overall, the musicis thus experienced more intensely. Since the acoustic and tactilestimuli are coordinated, there is advantageously a more intenseexperience overall than if the massage runs without the music beingoutput by a speaker.

According to one embodiment of a seat arrangement for carrying out amethod according to the invention, the massage units are designed asunbalance motors that can be operated in various frequency ranges. Thus,the frequencies can advantageously be adapted. The unbalance motors arein particular unbalance step motors. Advantageously, the positions ofthe eccentric weight of each of the massage units can thus also becoordinated. In particular, synchronous vibration phases or specificspread patterns of the vibration can be produced. Additional functionsare thus advantageously provided.

According to one embodiment of a seat arrangement, a rectifier elementis arranged in the motor supply line or in a connection between theplayback device and the control device. This can be a diode, inparticular. Said diode can be inserted into an audio supply line of anamplifier, for example. The motor balance weight is thus not activelydecelerated by a negative half wave. Advantageously, the powerconsumption of the motors, in particular unbalance motors, of themassage units is reduced, and the vibration effect is enhanced. Inparticular, either a rectifier element or a high-side switch can beprovided.

The above embodiments and developments can be combined with one anotheras desired, where appropriate. In particular, the features of the methodfor activating massage units in a seat can be transferred to a controldevice for controlling massage units in a seat and/or can be combinedwith the features of a seat arrangement for carrying out said method,and vice versa. Further possible embodiments, developments andimplementations of the invention also include combinations of featuresof the invention that have been previously described or are described inthe following with respect to the embodiments, even if not explicitlymentioned. In particular, a person skilled in the art will also addindividual aspects as improvements or additions to the relevant basicform of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is explained below in greater detail withreference to the embodiments specified in the schematic figures of thedrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the method according tothe invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the seat arrangementaccording to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a further embodiment of the method accordingto the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a massage unit according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a massage unit according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 6 shows a group of massage units according to the secondembodiment;

FIG. 7 shows the massage unit according to FIG. 4 in a recess in a pieceof upholstery;

FIG. 8 shows the massage units according to FIG. 5 in a recess in apiece of upholstery;

FIG. 9 shows a vehicle seat comprising a massage device according to afirst embodiment;

FIG. 10 shows a vehicle seat comprising a massage device according to asecond embodiment;

FIG. 11 shows a vehicle seat comprising a massage device having aplurality of massage units according to FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a massage device integrated in a vehicleseat, which device has shape-coded massage units;

FIG. 13 shows upholstery of a vehicle seat comprising shape-codedrecesses;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a connection element that is foamed intoupholstery of a vehicle seat.

FIG. 15 is longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle seat comprising amassage device having a group of massage units according to FIG. 6;

FIG. 16 shows one embodiment of a housing for a massage unit.

The accompanying figures of the drawings are intended to provide furtherunderstanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrateembodiments and, together with the description, are used to explainprinciples and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many ofthe mentioned advantages will become apparent from the drawings. Theelements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale relative toone another.

In the figures of the drawings, identical, functionally equivalent andequivalently operating elements, features and components are providedwith the same reference signs in each case, unless stated otherwise.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of the method according tothe invention for activating massage units 102-1 to 102-n in a seat 103.In this case, the seat 103 can e.g. be a vehicle seat 103 in particular.

The method provides for the playback, S1, of an acoustic entertainmentsignal 104. The method further provides for the control S2 of massageunits 102-1 to 102-n integrated in the seat 103 based on the acousticentertainment signal 104.

The acoustic entertainment signal 104 may be for example a piece ofmusic, which is played back by means of a playback device 105. Inparticular in a vehicle seat 103, thus the application of the method ina vehicle, the playback device 105 can be an entertainment system, e.g.a radio or CD player, of the relevant vehicle, or can be coupledthereto.

The massage units 102-1 to 102-n can be arranged so as to be distributedover the sitting surface of the seat 103. In this way, differentfrequency ranges of the acoustic entertainment signal 104 can be outputas the output signal 107 in order to activate massage units 102-1 to102-n that are arranged in different places. For example, higherfrequency ranges of the acoustic entertainment signal 104 can be used inorder to activate massage units 102-1 to 102-n in the shoulder and neckregion, whereas low frequency ranges of the acoustic entertainmentsignal 104 can be used in order to activate massage units 102-1 to 102-nin the leg and buttocks region. It goes without saying that thisallocation is merely exemplary and further variants are possible.

The frequencies can be allocated in a manner that does not depend onlyon their level. For example, the massage units 102-1 to 102-n can beactivated so as to vibrate in frequency ranges in which they only bringabout noise emissions which are externally imperceptible to personsother than those sitting on the seat 103 in question, in particularother vehicle occupants. In addition or alternatively, the massage units102-1 to 102-n can be arranged and activated such that the vibrationthereof or the noise generated thereby covers or neutralises adjustmentnoise that is generated by an electromotive seat adjustment.

In addition, during control S2, only some of the massage units 102-1 to102-n integrated in the seat 103 are activated by means of the outputsignal 107 based on the entertainment signal 104. For example, a user ofthe seat 103 can himself choose the regions which are intended to bemassaged by the massage units 102-1 to 102-n, for example the back orlegs. In addition, multi-channel music playback, for example stereo or5.1, can be reproduced by means of the output signal 107 based on theentertainment signal 104.

Preferably, only some of the massage units 102-1 to 102-n integrated inthe seat 10 are activated simultaneously by means of the output signal107 based on the entertainment signal 104. For this purpose, a controldevice 106 distributes the levels for activating the massage units 102-1to 102-n such that not all the massage units 102-1 to 102-n provided inthe seat 103 simultaneously react to a level.

Instead, the control apparatus 106 distributes the levels such that themassage units 102-1 to 102-n alternate, and the motors thereof can thusbe held for a predetermined second period of time, for example in orderto be cooled. Preferably, the cooling phases of individual massage units102-1 to 102-n can be harmoniously integrated in the massage sequencesuch that the alternation of the massage units 102-1 to 102-n isimperceptible to the occupant.

Finally, the acoustic entertainment signal 104 can be used as an inputvariable for the activation, in particular irrespective of an outputvolume set on the playback device 105. With an embodiment of this kind,it is possible for example to guess songs on the basis of the massage ifthe output volume is set to zero. Of course, the acoustic entertainmentsignal 104 can however also be adapted depending on the output volume ofthe playback device 105. The output volume thus determines the intensityof the vibrations in an embodiment of this kind.

In one embodiment, a diode can be arranged in the signal path, thus in aconnection between the playback device 105 and the control device 106.The diode is in this case used as a rectifier device, and therefore onlypositive signal components are transmitted to the massage units 102-1and 102-2.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the seat arrangement 101according to the invention.

A number of, thus one or more, massage units 102-1 to 102-n, in thiscase specifically four, are arranged in the seat 103. In FIG. 2, themassage units 102-1 and 102-2 are arranged in the seat back and themassage units 102-3 and 102-n are arranged in the sitting surface simplyby way of example. Additional massage units are indicated by three dots.The number and arrangement of the massage units can vary depending onthe application.

A control device 106 is provided for activating the massage units 102-1to 102-n, which device generates a control signal 107 for the massageunits 102-1 to 102-n from an entertainment signal 104 provided by aplayback device 105, and forwards said control signal to said units.

The entertainment signal 104 may be for example an audio signal, whichis a piece of music or the like. The entertainment signal 104 can comefrom various sources in this case. For example, the playback device 105can be an audio system installed in a vehicle, comprising a radio or CDplayer. The playback device 105 can, however, also be the audio systemfor example, which receives the entertainment signal 104 from e.g. asmartphone via bluetooth.

In particular, the control device 106 and the playback device 105 can becombined or integrated in a single appliance. For example, the controldevice 106 can already be integrated in the vehicle audio system. In oneembodiment, the massage units 102-1 to 102-n are directly coupled to theplayback device 105, which has the required activation circuit forproviding the output signal 107. Both the playback device 105 and thecontrol device 106 can in this case be designed, at least in part, ascomputer program modules that are executed by a computing apparatus ofthe audio system.

FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram of a further embodiment of the methodaccording to the invention. The method from FIG. 3 is based on themethod from FIG. 1 and has additional steps, S3 to S7. The numbering ofthe individual steps S1-S7 is only used for differentiation and does notimply an order. In particular, individual steps can also be carried outat different positions from those disclosed in the following.

Step S6, before step S1, provides for the acoustic entertainment signal104 to be fed into the playback device 105 by means of an audio signalsource. In this case, the audio signal source can in particular be amobile audio signal source, such as a smartphone or the like, or avehicle-internal audio signal source, such as a CD player.

Following playback S1 of the acoustic entertainment signal 104, thedynamic profile of the acoustic entertainment signal 104 can becompressed and/or expanded, S5, for the activation of the massage units102-1 to 102-n. The compression in this case is used in particular tolimit the dynamic range of the acoustic entertainment signal 104,whereas the dynamic range of the acoustic entertainment signal 104 canbe increased by means of the expansion. Following step S5, in step S4,different frequency ranges of the acoustic entertainment signal 104 areeach converted into an output signal 107. For example, different massageunits 102-1 to 102-n can be activated using signals having differentfrequencies. It can also be provided to allow the user to select thefrequencies or the massage units 102-1 to 102-n to be activated usingthe respective frequencies. In particular, a type of equaliser can bedisplayed in a vehicle, e.g. in the head unit, i.e. a central displayand control unit, which equaliser can be configured by the user. Themassage units 102-1 to 102-n can in particular also be activated ingroups for this purpose.

The massage units 102-1 to 102-n can in particular be activated by meansof a pulse-width-modulated signal. For this purpose, in step S4, theacoustic entertainment signal 104 can be converted into a series ofcorresponding pulses, for example by means of a single high-side switch.

A speaker can output the acoustic entertainment 104 signal in parallelwith the activation of the massage units 102-1 to 102-n, S7.

FIG. 4 shows a massage unit 2 according to a first embodiment. This canbe used in the method and/or vehicle seat described with respect toFIGS. 1 to 3.

The massage unit 2 has a self-fastening design 20 when the massage unit2 is inserted into a recess in a piece of upholstery.

In the present embodiment, the self-fastening design 20 is realised bymeans of a barb 21 that is integral with a housing 22 of the massageunit 2.

The barb 21 can be provided so as to surround the housing 22 or can beprovided on said housing in regions. Said barb has an oblique end face24 that projects laterally beyond the rest of the housing 22. The barb21 also has a sharp edge 25 on the rear side thereof.

The massage units 2 also have a vibration generator 23 (not shown indetail for the sake of clarity) arranged inside the housing 22. Thevibration generator 23 is used as the massage actuator and is forexample an unbalance motor. A weight that is arranged on the armatureshaft of an electric motor and is eccentric with respect to the axis ofrotation of the electric motor is used in the case of the unbalancemotor. Rotation of the motor results in a vibration. If a massage unit 2is part of a massage device of a vehicle seat, a vibration of this kindcan be transmitted to an occupant for example through a cover of thevehicle seat in the form of a massage.

FIG. 5 shows a massage unit 2 according to a second embodiment. This canalso be used in the method and/or vehicle seat described with respect toFIGS. 1 to 3.

In this embodiment, the self-fastening design 20 comprises embedding themassage unit in a foam cushion 26.

The foam of the foam cushion 26 has a very high coefficient of frictionin a friction pairing with upholstery of a vehicle seat. On account ofthe high degree of friction, self-fastening of the massage unit can takeplace when the foam cushion 26 or the massage unit 2 together with thefoam cushion 26 is introduced into a recess in a piece of upholstery.

FIG. 6 shows a group 9 of massage units 2 according to the secondembodiment. In this case, this is a group 9 of three massage units 2 ina row that are embedded or foamed into a common foam cushion 26. Eachmassage unit 2 has a vibration generator 23 in this case. A group 9 ofthis kind can be integrated together in upholstery of a vehicle seat, asexplained in more detail with respect to FIG. 15.

FIG. 7 shows the massage unit according to FIG. 4 in a recess 8 in apiece of upholstery 3.

The upholstery 3 can in particular be upholstery of a vehicle seat.

When the massage unit 2 is introduced into the recess 8 in theupholstery 3, the oblique end face 24 of the barb 21 slides along thematerial of the upholstery 3 such that the upholstery 3 is locallyelastically deformed in the process. When the edge 25 forming theoutermost portion of the barb 21 passes the upholstery 3, the upholstery3 expands again therebehind. The edge 25 of the barb 21 thus digs intothe upholstery 3 when the massage unit 2 moves out of the recess. Thus,once the massage unit 2 is introduced into the recess 8, it isautomatically fastened or self-fastens therein.

FIG. 8 shows the massage unit 2 according to FIG. 5 in a recess 8 in apiece of upholstery 3.

The upholstery 3 can in particular be upholstery of a vehicle seat.

On account of the high coefficient of friction between the foam of thefoam cushion 26 and the upholstery 3, self-fastening occurs when themassage unit 2 together with the foam cushion 26 is introduced into therecess 8 in the upholstery 3, as shown.

The frictional force and thus the self-fastening can be enhanced by thedimensions of the foam cushion 26 being tailored to the recess 8 bymeans of an oversize. There is then something of a pressing actionbetween the foam cushion 26 and the recess 8, such that the adherence ofthe foam cushion 26 in the recess 8 is enhanced. For mounting, the foamof the foam cushion 26 is resiliently compressed by means of acorresponding tool, for example appropriately shaped pliers. After beingintroduced into the recess 8 and after the tool being released, the foamof the foam cushion 26 resiliently expands such that there isself-fastening of the massage unit 2 in the recess 8.

FIG. 9 shows a vehicle seat 10 comprising a first embodiment of amassage device 1.

The vehicle seat 10 has a base 12 running in guide rails 16, a sittingsurface 13, a backrest 14 and a headrest 15. Arm rests (not shown) mayalso be provided.

The massage device 1 is provided so as to be integrated in the vehicleseat 10. Said device has a plurality of massage units 2 that areintegrated in the upholstery 3 of the vehicle seat 10. In the presentembodiment, both the sitting surface 13 and the backrest 14 haveupholstery 3 of this kind.

Furthermore, a control device 4 is provided, which is provided for anddesigned to activate all the massage units 2. This may be for example acomputing device comprising a corresponding computer program, or acontroller that provides the individual massage units with suitablecontrol signals. In particular, the control device 4 and a playbackdevice can be combined or integrated in a single appliance. For example,the control device 4 can already be integrated in the vehicle audiosystem. In this case, the control device 4 can be designed, at least inpart, as a computer program module that is executed by a computingapparatus of the audio system.

The control device 4 can also be coupled to a human-machine interface,for example an additional button panel or a touchscreen operatingmodule, or to the operating unit of an entertainment system of avehicle, by means of which interface an occupant can operate the massagedevice 1.

A connection apparatus 5 is also provided, which couples the controldevice 4 to the massage units 2. For this purpose, the connectionapparatus 5 has a cable harness 7 in which at least one cable 6 ispackaged for each massage unit 2. The cables 6 branch off from the cableharness 7 at the relevant points, in particular in the region of themassage units 2 assigned thereto and, when fitted, come into contactwith the relevant massage unit 2.

The cable harness 7 extends laterally or asymmetrically in theupholstery 3 rather than centrally. In addition, the cables 6 branchingoff in the same region have different lengths. The connection apparatus5 is thus asymmetrical.

Consequently, a predetermined cable 6 is assigned to the predeterminedposition of each massage unit 2 and is provided with an individual cablelength so that it can be laid only in said predetermined position of therelevant massage unit 2, in particular without shortening or lengtheningthe cable. If a cable 6 were to be laid in a different position of adifferent massage unit 2, to which it has not been assigned, it would betoo short or too long and thus would not fit this different position. Insuch a case, the incorrect position would be indicated to a workerlaying the cable 6 as a result of the unsuitable cable length.

The cable harness 7 is brought into contact with the control device 4centrally. For this purpose, for example an asymmetrical plug having apredetermined pinout can be provided, which plug lays the cables 6 thatare predetermined for the individual massage units 2 on likewisepredetermined pins. The asymmetrical arrangement of the cables 6 is thusalso reproduced when connecting the control device 4, by means of theasymmetrical plug. Accordingly, the control device 4 thus has acorresponding asymmetrical counter plug. It is thus ensured that thereis correct contacting/plugging-in between the cable harness 7 and thecontrol device 4.

In accordance with the asymmetrical or non-central arrangement of thecable harness 7, the control device 4 is also arranged asymmetrically ornon-centrally on the vehicle seat 10.

In contrast with the connection apparatus 5, the massage units 2 areintegrated so as to be distributed symmetrically on the relevantupholstery 3. An individual cable length is assigned in this case toeach massage unit 2. This is specified by the position or arrangement ofa recess 8 assigned to the relevant massage unit 2.

The massage units 2 are individual massage units 2 in the embodimentshown. The control device 4 controls the rotational speed of theunbalance motors of the massage units 2 and thus the vibration frequencythereof. Accordingly, the control device 4 can play back a massageprogram in which the various massage units 2 are appropriately activatedto provide a massage. This can take place in particular according to amethod described with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3.

In the embodiment shown, the control device is arranged outside of thevehicle seat 10. This is purely schematic, however. In otherembodiments, the control device 4 can also be integrated in the vehicleseat 10, for example in the base 12 thereof or in the upholstery 3.

In order to mount the massage device 1 in the vehicle seat 10, themassage units 2 are brought into contact with the cables 6 of theconnection apparatus 5 that are assigned thereto, and are inserted intothe recess 8 assigned thereto in each case. In the process, either thecontacting can take place first, followed by the insertion, or theinsertion can take place first, followed by the contacting. Theinsertion and contacting of the massage units 2 take place separately ineach case.

In a subsequent production step, the upholstery 3 is overlaid with thecover 11. When mounted, the massage units 2 are thus upholstered, inparticular completely.

FIG. 10 shows a vehicle seat comprising a massage device according to asecond embodiment.

In contrast with the first embodiment of the massage device 1 accordingto FIG. 9, in this second embodiment, the massage units 2 are arrangedand contacted or cabled in groups 9. For this purpose, the groups 9 arepreassembled or pre-cabled before the massage units 2 are mounted. Inthe embodiment shown, this means that, for the purpose of integration inthe left-hand side of the upholstery 3 of the backrest 14, a first group9 of three massage units 2 is already brought into contact with a firstcommon connection cable 6 before mounting. Said common connection cable6 is guided towards the centre of the vehicle seat 10, during mounting,before or after the massage units 2 have been inserted and, in thisposition, said cable is coupled to the cable harness 7 of the connectionapparatus 5. Analogously, a second group 9 of three massage units 2,which are provided for integration in the right-hand side of theupholstery 3 of the backrest 14, are inserted into the right-hand sideof the upholstery 3 and are coupled to the cable harness 7 of theconnection apparatus 5 by means of a common connection cable 6.

The respective three massage units 2 of the left-hand and the right-handgroup 9 are in each case predetermined for mounting at a predeterminedheight of the backrest 14. Said units are provided with a cable lengthcorresponding to said predetermined mounting height, and therefore,proceeding from a connection point 17 of the common connection cable 6on the relevant side of the upholstery 3, there is only one recess thatcorresponds to the relevant cable length in the upholstery 3. The group9 can thus be installed and brought into contact with the cable harness7 only in the predetermined manner. An incorrect installation is thuseffectively prevented.

Asymmetrical plugs are provided at the connection point 17 and at theconnection cables 6, which plugs can be interconnected only in thepredetermined contacting process. It is thus ensured that the connectioncable 6 is brought into contact with the cable harness 7 correctly.

FIG. 11 shows a vehicle seat 10 comprising a massage device 1 having aplurality of massage units 2 according to FIG. 4; The massage units 2are inserted into recesses 8 in the upholstery 3 at predetermined pointson the upholstery 3 in the manner described with respect to FIG. 7.

This can be the first embodiment of a massage device 1 according to FIG.9 comprising individual massage units 2, or the second embodiment of amassage device 1 according to FIG. 10 comprising massage units 2 thatare preassembled and/or pre-cabled in groups 9.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a massage device 1 integrated in avehicle seat 10, which device has shape-coded massage units 2.

In addition, each massage unit 2 has a housing 21 having an individualshape. Accordingly, each of the shape-coded massage units 2 is designedand provided so as to be inserted into a correspondingly shape-codedrecess 8 in the upholstery 3 of the vehicle seat 10.

FIG. 13 schematically shows upholstery 3 of a vehicle seat 10 comprisingshape-coded recesses 8 of this kind.

Here, in each case only one recess 8 within the upholstery 3 has a shapethat corresponds to the individual shape of a housing 21 of ashape-coded massage unit 2. It is thus ensured that only mutuallycorresponding massage units 2 and recesses 8 can be fitted together.Compliance with predetermined positioning of the shape-coded massageunits 2 in the upholstery 3 is thus ensured during mounting.

Similarly, corresponding colour-coding, i.e. colouring housings 22 ofthe massage units 2 and colouring recesses 8 in the upholstery 3, canalso be provided instead of or in addition to corresponding shapes. Thecolour-coding can also be extended to the cables 6 of the connectionapparatus 5, such that for example differently coloured cables 6 andcorrespondingly coloured slots in the upholstery 3 for laying saidcables are provided.

Shape-coding and/or colour-coding of this kind is expedient inparticular if different massage units 2 are provided for differentpositions on the upholstery 3, for example for different regions of thebackrest 14 and/or for seat upholstery 13 and the backrest 14 and/or forthe left-hand side and the right-hand side.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a connection element 5 that is foamedinto upholstery 3 of a vehicle seat 10.

In the embodiment shown, the control device 4 is also provided so as tobe foamed into the upholstery 3, in addition to the connection apparatus5. The upholstery 3, the connection apparatus 5 and the control device 4thus form a prefabricated or preassembled mounting module.

For the final mounting of the massage device 1, the massage units 2 areinserted into the recess 8 (not shown here) in the upholstery 3 and arebrought into contact with the connection apparatus 5. The upholstery 3,together with the massage units 2, the connection apparatus 5 and thecontrol device 4, are covered with the cover 11 or said cover isstretched thereover. Thus, when the massage device 1 is finally mountedin the vehicle seat 10, the connection apparatus 5, the massage units 2and the controller 4 are upholstered as well.

FIG. 15 is a longitudinal sectional view of a vehicle seat 10 comprisinga massage device 1 having a group 9 of massage units 2 according to FIG.6.

The group 9 of massage units 2 is provided so as to be integrated in thebackrest 14 of the vehicle seat 10. The group 9 of three massage units 2shown here self-fastens, by stiction, in a recess 8 provided for saidunits within the upholstery 3 of the backrest 14. On account of a highcoefficient of friction between the foam of the foam cushion 26 and theupholstery 3, self-fastening occurs when the group 9 of massage units 2together with the foam cushion 26 is introduced into the recess 8 in theupholstery 3, as shown.

Analogously to the embodiment according to FIG. 8 comprising anindividual massage unit 2, the friction force and thus theself-fastening of a group 9 can also be enhanced by the dimensions ofthe foam cushion 26 being tailored to the recess 8 in the upholstery 3of the backrest 14 by means of an oversize.

FIG. 16 shows one embodiment of a housing 22 for a massage unit 2.

The housing 22 has two halves, which are interconnected by means of afilm hinge 18. The housing 22 is thus made in one piece. The housings 22are injection-moulded parts. A plug 19 that is injection-mouldedsimultaneously is also provided. In the embodiment shown, each half ofthe housing 22 also forms a half of the plug 18.

In order to manufacture a massage unit 2, a vibration generator 23 isfitted in the housing 22 such that said generator can be contacted bymeans of the plug 19. The two halves of the housing 22 are then joinedtogether by the film hinge 18 being folded.

If a force acts on the self-fastening design 20 that presses the twohalves together, the plug 19, as shown here, is joined together in itsintended form. The two halves can also be fastened to one another, inparticular clipped, screwed or welded.

In the joined-together design of the housing 22, a connection apparatus5 can then be brought into contact with the plug 19.

Although the present invention has hitherto been described entirely byway of preferred embodiments, it is not restricted thereto, but can bemodified in various ways.

It goes without saying that the seat 103 can be arranged not only in avehicle, but said seat 103 can also be e.g. an aircraft seat, a seat ona train or bus, or similar. If the present invention is used comprisinga plurality of seats 103, a separate control device 106 may be providedfor each of the seats 103. This is advantageous in particular if eachseat 103 is provided with its own playback device 105. This is the casefor example in aircraft or on trains, where headphone jacks are arrangedon each seat, and a user can select an audio channel to which he wishesto listen. Alternatively, however, a central control device 106 whichactivates all the seats 103 can also be provided.

In addition, the groups 9 according to FIGS. 6 and 15, respectively, canbe preassembled in a foam cushion 26 and can also be pre-cabledaccording to FIG. 10.

Analogously to the backrest 14 according to FIG. 15, groups 9 of massageunits can also be provided so as to be integrated in the seat upholstery13.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   1 massage device-   2 massage unit-   3 upholstery-   4 control device-   5 connection apparatus-   6 cable-   7 cable harness-   8 recess-   9 group-   10 vehicle seat-   11 cover-   12 base-   13 seat surface-   14 backrest-   15 headrest-   16 guide rail-   17 connection point-   18 film hinge-   19 plug-   20 self-fastening design-   21 barb-   22 housing-   23 vibration generator-   24 oblique end face-   25 edge-   26 foam cushion-   101 seat arrangement-   102-1 to 102-n massage units-   103 seat-   104 entertainment signal-   105 playback device-   106 control device-   107 output signal-   S1-S7 method steps

1. A method for activating massage units in a vehicle seat, comprisingthe following steps: playing back an acoustic entertainment signal, bymeans of a playback device of a vehicle; and controlling massage unitsintegrated in the seat based on the acoustic entertainment signal bymeans of a control device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theacoustic entertainment signal is broken down into predeterminedfrequency ranges, at least one predetermined frequency range of theacoustic entertainment signal being converted into an output signal forat least one massage unit.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein differentfrequency ranges of the acoustic entertainment signal are each convertedinto an output signal and used to activate different massage units. 4.The method of claim 3, wherein a plurality of massage units are arrangedso as to be distributed over the sitting surface of the seat, and theoutput signals assigned to the different frequency ranges of theacoustic entertainment signal are output in order to activate massageunits that are arranged in different places.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein only some of the massage units integrated in the seat areactivated by means of the output signal based on the entertainmentsignal.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein amplification and selection ofdifferent frequency ranges are provided that are in both cases adaptedto the type of entertainment signal.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe acoustic entertainment signal is used as an input variable for theactivation, irrespective of an output volume set on the playback device.8. The method of claim 7, wherein the intensity of the massage providedby the massage units or the vibration intensity of the massage units canbe freely set.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the acousticentertainment signal is converted into a series of pulses for theactivation of the massage units.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein theacoustic entertainment signal is fed into the playback device by meansof an audio signal source or a vehicle-internal audio signal source. 11.The method of claim 1, wherein the massage units can be activated so asto vibrate in frequency ranges in which they only bring about noiseemissions which are externally imperceptible to persons other than thosesitting on the seat in question.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein themassage units are arranged and activated such that the vibration thereofcovers or neutralises adjustment noise that is simultaneously generatedby an electromotive seat adjustment.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereina speaker outputs the acoustic entertainment signal in parallel with theactivation of the massage units.
 14. A control device for controllingmassage units in a vehicle seat, which control device is configured toconvert an entertainment signal into at least one output signal thatactivates the massage units, and which control device is furtherconfigured to activate the massage units in accordance with a method foractivating massage units in a vehicle seat, the method comprising thefollowing steps: playing back an acoustic entertainment signal by meansof a playback device; and controlling massage units integrated in theseat based on the acoustic entertainment signal by means of a controldevice.
 15. A seat arrangement for carrying out a method for activatingmassage units in a vehicle seat, the seat arrangement comprising: avehicle seat, having a number of integrated massage units; a playbackdevice in particular an entertainment system of a vehicle for playingback an acoustic entertainment signal; and a control device coupled tothe playback device for controlling the massage units, which controldevice is designed to convert the entertainment signal into at least oneoutput signal that activates the massage units, which output signalchanges based on the entertainment signal.
 16. The seat arrangement ofclaim 15, wherein the massage units are configured as unbalance motorsor, unbalance step motors, which can be operated in different frequencyranges.
 17. The seat arrangement of claim 15, wherein a rectifierelement is arranged in the motor supply line or in a connection betweenthe playback device and the control device.
 18. The method of claim 1,wherein the signals of a multi-channel signal are used to activatemassage units that are arranged in individual regions, in particularindividual side regions of the seat.
 19. The method of claim 1, whereinconstantly alternating massage units can be activated in succession suchthat the changes are imperceptible to an occupant.
 20. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the frequency band used or the position and width ofthe different frequency ranges of the acoustic entertainment signal,which are converted into an output signal, can be freely set.
 21. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the distribution of the activated portion ofthe massage units or, the position and number of the massage units canbe freely set.
 22. The method of claim 1, wherein the dynamic profile ofthe acoustic entertainment signal is compressed or expanded for theactivation.
 23. The method of claim 1, wherein the acousticentertainment signal is a piece of music or wherein the means of aplay-back device is an entertainment system of a vehicle.